Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media — Online
The Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media offers a hands-on, collaborative way to explore core creative concepts and innovative ideas in diverse areas of the digital media world. The program provides a solid preparation in the three core digital media knowledge areas: design thinking, technical competency, and creative expression.
Take a Quick Look
We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.
Overview
Explore the rapidly changing world of digital media with the STEM-designated Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media. The program enables you to build on your skills and expertise using cutting-edge technologies and tools as you move through your curriculum. Your core courses in information development, usability, and narrative structure provide a baseline for developing, marketing, and managing content-rich experiences. We offer three concentrations online for you to customize your curriculum including social media, digital media management, and interactive design—usability and development. In your final capstone project, you'll turn theory into practice, working with the guidance of a faculty advisor on a personal proposal or with a small, focused team to channel your passion into a project that provides tangible evidence of your abilities.
This is an online program.
More Details
Unique Features
- Complete an in-depth capstone project experience working under guidance of a faculty advisor.
- Three concentration options provide specialized focus on distinctive areas of digital media.
- Program format is designed to enhance collaboration and networking opportunities for students.
- This is a STEM-designated graduate degree.
Program Objectives
- Leverage your existing professional experience and knowledge in a technology-centric media world.
- Apply human interaction concepts and systems to a wide range of projects.
- Study character and story development across a variety of digital media.
- Develop and test a variety of user experiences for different media and devices.
Career Outlook
Companies of all sizes and industries need creative thinkers to help them build and disseminate compelling digital stories for marketing, messaging, and entertainment. Employment projections vary for each concentration, but demand and reward for User Interface professionals and social media experts continues to expand at an above-average pace.
Transfer Credit Opportunities for Certifications from Professional Associations
Successful applicants for a master's degree program in the Social Media concentration with their HubSpot Academy Certification:
- Will receive 4 quarter hours of transfer credit – an 8% savings in tuition.
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 11 courses, rather than 12
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: DGM 6285 Interactive Marketing Fundamentals
Hear from current students and recent graduates of the digital media programs about how their Northeastern degree helped them enhance their skills and accelerate their careers.
This video was led by instructor Gary Greenbaum and developed by the following students: Cameron Drezelo, Fanny Fellevik, Hana Fox, Sarah Hoye, and James Whalen. Please note that the clip was created by students in the Digital Video concentration for the Documentary and Nonfiction Production course.
Check out your career prospects
Beginning your journey with us is a big decision. But it's a smart one. Your field is evolving rapidly. That's why we're constantly innovating our programs to anticipate your industry's needs. So, no matter where your field goes, you can lead the way.
Job growth for digital media and marketing, faster than average for all jobs
U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.
This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 6.00 |
Complete one of the following:
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Free Elective
Complete one of the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
3.00 | Credits 4.00 | |
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Workshops
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 |
Concentrations
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Interactive Design
Credits 4.00 |
Choose four courses from the following:
Usability and Development Track
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Follow our leaders
“I want us to go beyond transferring information and technical skills. Digital Media faculty spark success because we are passionately committed to our role as mentors. We want students to not just equal but to surpass our accomplishments, because that is how our creative professions innovate and grow.” Cynthia Baron, Faculty Director, Digital Media
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Darin Detwiler
Dr. Darin Detwiler, LP.D., M.A.Ed., brings many years of military, writing, policy, and instructional experienceFull bio -
Kristen Lee
Behavioral Science educator, clinician, author, comedian, and activist devoted to leveraging human potential, particularly for marginalized and underserved populations.Full bio -
Corliss Thompson
Corliss Thompson, Ph.D., teaching professor, has taught research methods, research design, and social justice courses in the Graduate School of Education since 2013.Full bio -
Xiaomu Zhou
Xiaomu Zhou is a lead faculty member in the Master of Professional Studies in Informatics program, College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University.Full bio
I never thought I could do a lot of things that the program really challenged me to do, it was great to have the experience of really being pushed by professors, and by my classmates, to just learn something new.
Rachel Newborn - MPS Digital Media - Interactive Design Concentration 2018
Cost and Tuition
Tuition
Avg Institutional Aid
% Receiving Aid
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Did you know?
Below is a look at where our Digital Media and Design alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Harvard
- MIT
- ViralGains
- Cognizant
- Deloitte Consulting
- TJX Companies
- GNS Healthcare
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What They Do
- Art and Design
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Marketing
- Media and Communication
- User Experience Designer
- UX Manager
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What They're Skilled At
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Social Media
- CSS
- Digital Media
- Marketing
- Interactive Design
- User Experience
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.
Related Programs
Admissions
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Let’s Find Your Path Forward
Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.
Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727